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The planned strike by British Airways (BA) cabin crew over pay and conditions has been postponed, the T&G union has said.

Cabin crew had been due to strike for three days from January 29th but that has now been put back 24 hours as a "goodwill gesture" so that further talks with BA officials can take place.

Among the grievances which led to the decision to take industrial action are contested pay grading, onboard staffing and responsibility levels, as well as a lack of sickness absence policies.

But union officials have warned that the planned strike will still go ahead next Tuesday and Wednesday if the dispute is not resolved.

"After the personal intervention of [BA chief executive] Willie Walsh with our senior representatives, and as a goodwill gesture, we have agreed to a 24-hour postponement of the start of the industrial action," T&G general secretary Tony Woodley said.

"This extends the time available to secure a settlement to the outstanding problems, and I hope that the company will now join us in making every effort to do so."

But Mr Walsh has responded by urging the union to call off the strike entirely.

"The T&G has taken a small step forward, but it should now take a proper stride and end the anxiety it is causing for so many of our customers," he said.

"We have made progress in our negotiations and we do not need the shadow of strike action hanging over us as we seek to make further progress.

"The solution to this dispute can, and should, be found at the negotiating table and not on the picket lines. We remain committed to the pursuit of a negotiated settlement."

Mr Walsh added the airline would announce its flight schedule for the planned strike days tomorrow if no further progress was made over the dispute.

Further 72-hour walk-outs are also planned from Monday February 5th and Monday February 12th.